Dark Desires: A Secret Baby, Bratva Romance (Chicago Bratva Series) by K.C. Crowne

Author:K.C. Crowne [Crowne, K.C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-09-22T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

ALEXEI

I’m gazing down at the city from the windows of my office, drink in hand.

It’s a quiet night, but my head is anything but. I lean back in my chair, replaying the conversation I had with Luk earlier.

“Christian was at the Mancini place,” Luk had said. “It doesn’t take a genius to figure out he’s up to something.”

Christian de la Rosa showing up uninvited at the Mancini estate feels like the kind of chess move you don’t see coming until it’s too late.

If he’s trying to drive a wedge between the Ivanovs and the Mancinis, it’s a smart play. He’s banking on mistrust, on our alliances crumbling. And if he manages it? The war that’s been simmering will boil over, catching us on our back foot.

But there’s more to it. If Christian pulls the Mancinis to his side, then what does that mean for Isabella?

Is she even mine? Hell, I don’t know. Baby mama. That’s what Americans call it, right? I let out a dry chuckle, shaking my head.

No, she’s so much more than that. But what the hell do I call her? Lover? Mistress? No, that word sounds dirty and doesn’t fit her at all.

None of those options sit well with me.

My thoughts are interrupted by a soft chime from the speaker on my desk.

“Mr. Plushenko, an Agent Patterson is here to see you.”

I freeze for a moment, considering my options. Part of me wants to send her packing. But another part of me, the part that’s always curious, wants to know what the hell she’s doing here.

I drain the last of my whiskey.

“Send her in.”

The door opens and Agent Patterson strides in, all business, all authority.

“Agent Patterson. To what do I owe the pleasure? Or should I say, the inconvenience?”

She narrows her eyes. “I’m not here to play games, Plushenko. You know exactly why I’m here.”

“Enlighten me. I’ve had a long day, and, well, my mind’s a little foggy.” I gesture for her to sit. “And since I’m assuming this is a friendly visit, I won’t need to call my lawyer, correct? Or security…”

She doesn’t sit.

“I have questions,” she says. “And I think you have answers.”

“About?” I ask, my mind already racing through the possibilities. What does she want this time? Info on the engagement party shooting? The attack on the street?

I chuckle, gesturing to the whiskey decanter. “Care for a drink? You look like you could use one.”

“I’m not here for pleasantries.”

“Clearly,” I reply, setting the glass down. “Then let’s cut to the chase. What do you want?” A thought occurs to me. “You know, the last time we saw each other, I believe you were telling me and my brothers to keep a low profile. And now, here you are to, what, ask for my help?”

I step over to the whiskey and pour myself another drink.

“You sure you don’t want a little bit?” I wiggle the bottle a bit, the amber liquid inside sloshing around. “It’s good stuff. And my workday is over, so it’s time for me to unwind.

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